Pucks of a Feather
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The Anaheim Ducks, The NHL, Nick Boynton and Head Injuries

By Greg Johnson

DETROIT - DECEMBER 11: Nick Boynton #4 of the Anaheim Ducks gets his elbow up on Patrick Eaves #17 of the Detroit Red Wings during a NHL game at Joe Louis Arena on December 11, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Red Wings won 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
DETROIT - DECEMBER 11: Nick Boynton #4 of the Anaheim Ducks gets his elbow up on Patrick Eaves #17 of the Detroit Red Wings during a NHL game at Joe Louis Arena on December 11, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Red Wings won 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Anaheim Ducks
ANAHEIM, CA: NHL Hall of Fame Inductees and former Ducks players Paul Kariya (L) and Teemu Selanne talk with fans prior to the NHL game between the Florida Panthers and the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on November 19, 2017. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

Why Should the Ducks Be on the Leading Edge Regarding Head Injuries

There is no doubt many players enjoy playing in Anaheim. The team is competitive year after year. Players enjoy anonymity which they just can’t get in traditional hockey markets. Also, who doesn’t want to play golf after morning practice?

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Imagine if players had another reason to play in Anaheim. Just think what it would look like to free agents if the team was known as being on the leading edge in preventing head injuries. How many players would choose to skate in Orange County if the Ducks dedicated themselves to making sure players were properly protected after suffering a concussion?

They could make their program even better if the team followed up their care with real help for addiction issues the players suffer while playing for the team without repercussions to the player?

How the Ducks Lead

For some reason, the NHL is still burying its head on the issue of repeated head injuries. They still insist that there is no proven link between playing professional hockey and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). They are looking more and more ridiculous by the day.

The league is denying what appears to be obvious to many of us. That doesn’t mean the Ducks are unable to move forward on the issue. Anaheim could set the pace.

What if the Anaheim Ducks hired someone with serious passion about head injuries and player’s long-term welfare? Anaheim could put that person in charge of the team’s concussion prevention and treatment department. Imagine what someone with the stature of Paul Kariya could bring to the team. He could be turned loose on the subject. It’s an issue he has had a sincere passion about for years.

Eventually, when the league decides to admit its part in causing permanent harm to their best employees. At that point, the Ducks could give Kariya up to the NHL. Until then, he could do the most good by protecting members of the Anaheim Ducks organization.

Next: Simon Despres gets a 2nd chance at the NHL

There is serious momentum going against the league regarding chronic head injuries. Fans who are paying attention can see where this is going. The Ducks have the best owners in the league in Henry and Susan Samueli. Let’s hope they have the vision to completely bring number nine back into the fold.

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